Alcohol and Testosterone

alcohol and testosterone

A lot of people sincerely try to lose weight, get in shape and try to build muscles while consuming considerable amount of alcohol. In a previous article entitled “Alcohol’s Effects on Weight Loss”, we looked at the effects of alcohol on fat metabolism and weight loss in general. In this article lets us review the alcohol and testosterone connection.

Testosterone Exists in Both Men and Women

Testosterone is thought to be a male hormone but it exists in both genders and fulfills many functions. Women produce up to 2% of what a man would produce. It is produced in the testes of men and in the ovaries of women. In both sexes, it aids in bone and muscle development and blood cell turnover among its many functions. It also influences libido in both men and women.

Testosterone’s Role in Burning Fat and Building Muscles

Testosterone’s effect on building muscles mass and reducing body fat levels have been well researched and documented (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, Journal of Endocrinology Invest) .

Research has found that testosterone can affect fat metabolism in the following ways;

It apparently blocks the effects of the Lipoprotein lipase enzyme. This is an enzyme that enables body’s fat cells to store fat. When fat cells are exposed to testosterone in test tubes, the activity of the lipoprotein lipase enzyme has been shown to be dramatically reduced.
It increases fat metabolism by increasing certain key receptors on the fat cell-membrane to release fat as documented in the Journal of Metabolic Disorders.
It has been proven to increase insulin sensitivity (Journal of Endocrine Practise) and fat metabolism via the mechanisms explained above. It also enhances growth of muscle fibers.

As such, for someone trying to lose weight and gain muscles, it is vital to maintain optimum levels of testosterone.

Alcohol and How its Metabolized

Alcohol can be categorized as a depressant drug. When consumed, about 20% is absorbed in the stomach and 80% in the small intestines. Like other depressant drugs, it slows down the pace of the brain. Approximately 90% of ingested alcohol is metabolized in the liver. The rest is excreted via breath and urine. Once the consumption stops, blood concentration of alcohol decreases slightly every time the blood passes through the liver. An average person can eliminate about 15 ml of alcohol per hour. As such, a person would need an hour to remove alcohol from a can of beer with 5% alcohol content.

In a study published in the Journal Alcohol, healthy adult men were administered a dose of alcohol and observed for a period of 48 hours. It was found that the maximum decrease in testosterone was observed at 12 hours after consuming alcohol. Testosterone levels remained dipped for a period of 24 hours there after. Simultaneously, the levels of the hormone cortisol increased and stayed elevated for as long as testosterone levels were suppressed. Similar findings were also recorded in an article published in 2009 in the Bone Journal.

Why Does Alcohol Suppress Testosterone Production

Research has shown that alcohol ;

Increases the breakdown and removal of testosterone from the blood
Decreases testosterone production rate

A research articles published in the New England Journal of Medicine documents this. The study was extreme as the participants were given a daily alcohol dose of 220 grams. Even though it was extreme, it clearly showed the strong link between alcohol and testosterone.

Why Alcohol Increases Testosterone Breakdown

In an article published in the Journal Science, it was mentioned that the rate of breakdown of testosterone in the liver depends on an enzyme called testosterone reductase. Alcohol increases the activity of this enzyme. This increases the breakdown activity of testosterone in the liver.

How Drinking Shuts Down Testosterone Production

Alcohol is broken down to acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is rapidly converted to acetate by other enzymes and is eventually metabolized to carbon dioxide and water.

Although the liver is the primary site for breakdown of alcohol, the testes also possesses the necessary enzymes. This ability of the testes to breakdown alcohol to acetaldehyde is documented in articles published in the Alcoholism and Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology. Apparently, the enzymes that help breakdown alcohol are also required for testosterone production. In the presence of alcohol, these enzymes in the testes are diverted to alcohol breakdown and not help testosterone production. This leads to a reduction in testosterone levels over time.

Drinking Releases Cortisol That Suppresses Testosterone

According to studies in Journal Alcohol and in Bone Journal, drinking resulted in higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It lasted for 4 hours after the first drink and remained elevated for 24 hours. Cortisol acts directly on cells in the testes to inhibit the production and release of testosterone.

Stress hormones in our bodies help us during panic situations or “fight or flight” situations. In such conditions, the body shuts off the reproductive system by suppressing testosterone to channel blood into the muscles.

This helps someone flee from an oncoming tiger and I am sure that reproduction is the last thing on one’s mind in such a situation. Testosterone levels will stay suppressed as long as cortisol levels are elevated.

Why is it That Some People Drink But Still Have a Respectable Physique

As the research has shown, alcohol affects everyone. Every male testes has the ability to breakdown alcohol. Drinking will suppress testosterone production. There will be those who will be able to lose fat and build muscles while drinking. But these same people can achieve more without drinking. Those who may have reached a plateau in their weight loss or muscle-building efforts should take a step back to examine if alcohol is having a negative effect

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Michael - The Fat Loss Authority October 2, 2009 at 12:26 am

Great article from the testosterone perspective.

I completed a 30-Day No Alcohol Challenge recently and documented the noticeable effects on my blog

Your article confirms some of my hypotheses – especially regarding weight gain – I had after I completed the challenge. Thanks!

Mike

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Lance Chambers January 12, 2010 at 2:00 pm

This article is very interesting in that I just learned that alcohol suppress the production of testosterone and decrease in testosterone means elevated cortisol which is harmful to our body.

Paramjit Sidhu January 14, 2010 at 9:01 pm

Thank you for your comment. Yes alcohol does that to testosterone. The elevated cortisol levels after consuming alcohol are well documented.

Androman100 May 14, 2010 at 7:59 am

Thank you for the input of info! I guess nobody was really aware of the situation. Media should let people know about these concerns.

Morgan 18 July 23, 2010 at 7:40 am

Nice read, I recently started weight lifting and occasionally drink on the weekends. After reading this article it certinely gives a me a new perspective.

Paramjit July 23, 2010 at 11:59 am

Thank you for your comment. A lot of people do not realize the effect that alcohol has on the body, especially people who exercise and want to lose weight. Glad that you found it useful.

Michael September 7, 2010 at 1:40 pm

Thank you so much for this article. I just turned 20 years old and I’ve been to quite a few parties, but I feel that your article has helped deter me from going down a path that could have sabotaged my potential without even being aware of it. I am just now learning about how important testosterone your article has helped me learn so much!

Paramjit September 7, 2010 at 2:42 pm

You are most welcome Michael. As you have rightfully pointed out, most people are unaware of alcohol’s effect on testosterone.

Steve October 4, 2010 at 1:40 pm

I was just wondering if there is anything out there that can inhibit the negative effects of alcohol on testosterone? I like to drink occasionally, but i hate that my libido pretty much shuts off when i do. It never use to no matter how much i drank i would still be in the mood. But, now its vice versa. I know that there the solution of “not drinking” , but I am looking for something new.

Paramjit November 15, 2010 at 10:16 am

Thank you for your comment Steve. You cant do much about that. The body reacts to alcohol in that way. Anything else you do or take could be detrimental to your body. After all, you are probably going to drink at least once a week for the rest of your life. Is it worth it to take some drug or something else unnatural for the rest of your life. Best thing would be to cut down on the drinks. Something to think about?

Mark December 6, 2010 at 9:19 pm

Awesome information for alcoholic people, After reading this blog they will definitely avoid the alcohol. Thanks for sharing.

Bodybuilding Videos March 8, 2011 at 1:52 am

I have heard before that alcohol increases oestrogen which i guess is kind of the same thing, since it is the contrary of testosterone. Either way basically alcohol is not good for a males hormones.

Paramjit March 10, 2011 at 11:51 pm

Yes its best to keep away from alcohol until the weight loss goals are reached.

Edgar Alford April 22, 2011 at 1:23 am

Agree that is it better to refrain from drinking lots of alcohol until you get into the best shape of your life.Love your site – correct weight loss!keep it up

stevyf May 20, 2011 at 5:37 am

I so simple for me. I don’t drink alcohol.

Paramjit May 27, 2011 at 10:36 am

That is off course the best solution

Cris Logan August 25, 2011 at 9:11 am

I like Edgar Alford’s comment. Very simple. Its not easy for us guys to totally remove alcohol especially when we gather as a group or make chats on a sportsbar or something. Moderation is the key here. I love the idea about how this affects testosterone. Proper exercise and good diet is a better leverage for me. I will surely recommend your article. Way to go Mr. Paramjit.

JH Gammon October 30, 2011 at 5:13 am

My husband drinks alcohol from the time he wakes until he passes out. The VA doctor gave him Testosterone injectable and told him to use it once a week. He has started using it everyday. I am very concerned. I think the combination is terrible. He is starting to act crazy like in dementia.
Will someone respond that knows about this?

MJ December 2, 2011 at 1:01 am

Just how much can alcohol cut down T levels?
Speaking hypothetically- say I drank 3 large glasses of wine every single night, could that make me go from optimal T levels down to almost out of range?

I don’t drink that much just hypothetical. But on occasion I do have sometimes a couple weeks at a time where my drinking is elevated. Anyway- let me know. Thnx

Paramjit December 19, 2011 at 12:53 pm

More research is required to get to the bottom of this but I believe alcohol consumption should not be done every day. Alcohol needs to be broken dons in your testicles. If your testicles are busy breaking down alcohol, it is taking time away from doing other essential tasks such as regulating your testosterone levels. Maybe you could reduce it down to 1 glass a day for a start and have your 3 to 4 glasses on the weekend.

Sean December 21, 2011 at 9:49 am

If one stops drinking, will the normal production of testosterone return to normal?

Paramjit December 21, 2011 at 10:53 am

Yes it should. the body has amazing healing powers!

Ally January 21, 2012 at 11:38 pm

I am a woman who was recently diagnosed as having abnormally high testosterone levels that are causing me health problems, but I also drink. Would my testosterone be even higher if I stopped?

MR March 25, 2012 at 5:41 pm

Im a 43 year old male that was just diagnosed with low T. Ive worked in a bar for years and wind up having 6 beers or so about 4 nights a week. Outside of this I rarely drink. I took a blood test first thing in the morning and had a test level of 289. I was told normal for me starts at 348. I’ve been experiencing low energy and muscle and joint pain. My urologist wrote me a prescription for testim. I’m just wondering if I could get my level up naturally to where I need it instead of going on T therapy. Aside from drinking, I work out, take supplements, and have a pretty healthy diet. I even consume many things that assist in testosterone production such as nuts, amino acids etc. Is it possible to get my T levels high enough naturally?

tom s July 26, 2012 at 12:40 pm

I had been drinking quite a bit most of my adult life and had developed a very high tolerance for alcohol. Having a bottle of wine and several cocktails every nite was almost nothing. My T levels tested quite low and I started using Testim and switched to Andro-gel . I was on this program for at least 3 yrs and I still always tested low 250 total T. Recently I decided to give up my indulgence to try and lose a few extra pounds- I am not obese just about 25 pds too heavy at 6’2″ 225. I quit for 5 weeks and lost 12 pds,I have continued with limited alcohol intake and certainly not every day.
I had a blood test recently and my Dr. was quite concerned as my T level jumped to 1172 and free T level was 272. I am 65 yrs old in pretty good shape was this low T levels caused by drinking and is the new high level dangerous to my health? I feel great.

Bodybuilding September 4, 2012 at 3:05 pm

Bodybuilding exercises have become an important part of health improvement institutions like the gym. People nowadays are more conscious of how they look than they were ten years ago.

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Grace March 15, 2013 at 10:17 pm

The body has amazing healing powers so a little alcohol will not stop in its way.

Sebring Max March 20, 2013 at 10:04 pm

Very interesting post Paramjit! When I was still drinking excessive alcohol before, it’s really hard for me to lose weight even though I maintain workouts. Truly, there are so many negative effects associated to alcohol drinking and it can really affect our health as a whole not just losing testosterone.

Jennifer April 15, 2013 at 11:20 pm

I had no idea that drinking caused an increase in cortisol. I thought drinking was supposed to decrease your stress. It sounds like people need to find some better stress relievers, maybe exercise.